While teeth implants have a higher price tag than other alternatives, our Long Beach patients agree that they’re worth it. When you lose a tooth, the obvious next step is to replace it with a dental prosthetic. After all, a missing tooth doesn't just look bad; it can have a massive impact on your dental health and happiness too. There are multiple options out there, each with its pros and cons. Still, the top recommendation from periodontists and prosthodontists alike is dental implants. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, implants function exactly as a natural tooth, root and all. They are made of three components: an implant, an abutment, and a dental crown. Implant: a titanium screw or post inserted directly into the jaw and acts as the root securing the entire tooth Abutment: the metal piece that connects the implant and crown and keeps the whole tooth implant together Crown: the final part restoring the full look and bite of your original tooth, which attaches to the abutment Dental implants are more involved, complex, and time-consuming than bridges and dentures. Each piece must be inserted separately with healing time in-between. On average, most patients need between six and eight months to have their new tooth fully installed. This level of planning, time, and expertise is reflected in their higher cost than other dental prosthetics.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? Many patients' top concern is often the treatment's price. So when a dental implant is more costly than a bridge or partial denture, what exactly does this mean? A patient's dental implant cost depends on these factors: Type of implant (single tooth implant, full mouth dental implants, etc.) Cost of implant post Cost of abutment Cost of crown Whether dental sedation is used If bone grafting is required Number of visits and surgeries Additionally, dental implants can be pricier because dental insurance doesn't always cover them. You'll need to check with your provider to see what your specific policy includes. Most full coverage plans cover prosthodontics as a whole. However, in many cases, these plans only provide for part of the dental crown's cost. The Value Of Dental Implants When patients choose implants, they're investing in their smiles—one that all-too-quickly starts paying off. Implants are unrivaled in their effectiveness, longevity, looks, and so much more. It's hard not to see why they're considered the best option for replacing a missing tooth, hands down. What are the advantages of dental implants? Prevents Bone Loss The jawbone relies on the daily pressure and stimulation your teeth put on it. Once a tooth is extracted and this force disappears, the underlying bone starts shrinking, or resorbing. This bone loss is incredibly rapid at first, and up to a quarter of the original bone can be lost within a year. Even when this resorption slows down and stabilizes, it never truly goes away, even if you have a bridge or denture. As more of the jawbone disappears, many patients experience these nerve-wracking issues: Facial sagging Nearby teeth shifting into the growing socket Unwanted gaps between teeth Further tooth loss Nearby teeth and gum tissue becoming infected However, dental implants have the unique ability to bypass this bone loss entirely. Compatible With Bridges and Dentures A standard tooth implant can only replace a single tooth or two at a time. However, what do you do when you need to replace three or more teeth in a row or even a whole missing arch? It's not practical to insert an implant for every single missing tooth, especially if it's a full smile you're trying to repair. Luckily, you can still keep your jaw intact and your smile healthier with dental implants supporting a modified bridge or denture. These prosthetics anchor themselves to implants inserted in the jaw. Not only does this prevent resorption, but it can reduce strain on neighboring teeth and give a more solid base for your false teeth. While most “permanent dentures” are still removable, we can also modify them so that they're securely fixed and don't need to be removed at night. All-on-4 dental implants are a popular option for entire missing arches as they permanently secure a complete denture on four implants. Longest-Lasting In bypassing bone resorption, implants can last years and even decades longer than either a dental bridge or dentures can. While the crown can last 20 to 25 years with good care, the implant itself can stay in pristine condition for a lifetime. In comparison, bridges only last an average of 10 to 15 years, while most dentures only last between five and seven years. Implant-supported bridges and dentures also have longer lifespans than their traditional counterparts. By keeping the jaw healthier and whole, the prosthetic pieces' lives can be extended to that of a dental crown, and the implants can still last you forever. Real-Looking Smile One of the common questions a prosthodontist hears is, "Do dental implants look like real teeth?" You'll be happy to hear that the answer is an enthusiastic, "Yes!" The dental crown that tops the prosthetic is made of porcelain designed to match the color of the rest of your teeth. And since the implant doesn't rest on the gum and bone tissue but is attached to them, there's little chance of the gum and bone receding and creating an awkward gap. Additionally, implants can help you maintain a more youthful appearance. With bridges and especially dentures, some patients may experience premature aging from bone loss. Wrinkles appear around the mouth, lips become thinner, and the face starts sagging. By preventing all or most post-extraction bone loss, your jaw can stay fuller, more intact, and beautiful longer. Worthwhile Investment Ultimately, dental implants are an investment that are especially well-worth it in the long run. They last two to four times longer than their alternatives, making them more cost-efficient and an overall affordable dental prosthetic option. And by keeping your smile healthier, implants also help lower your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and infection—which would all require treatment. With implants, you can save more money over time by avoiding: Prosthetic replacements every five to ten years Frequent tooth decay and gum disease treatments Recurring bone graft surgeries to upkeep the jaw Possible future tooth extractions and new prosthetics due to bone loss

Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants? With their higher price, you want to be sure that your investment will be successful. Your periodontist wants that for you too. Implants have a success rate of 90 to 95% because we always perform in-depth and comprehensive examinations to ensure that our patients are excellent candidates. The majority of implants that fail do so within the first year because the patient wasn’t a good match, and they should have been given a bridge or denture instead. What makes someone a great contender for implants? There's no age limit to implants like many patients fear. You could be 26 or 86, and you still have a chance to be approved. Instead, we look at your oral and overall health. For our periodontal team to start the dental implant process, we must first make sure that you: Have no existing dental issues, such as periodontal disease or oral cancer Are in good general health Have a sufficient amount of base jawbone Are patient and can wait the months it takes for a perfect smile People who smoke, drink heavily, or have uncontrolled diabetes might not be approved for implants. These factors can risk your treatment failing as they affect the mouth's ability to heal. If you have oral health issues like gum disease, you'll need to have them treated beforehand. What Happens If You Don't Have Enough Bone For Dental Implants? If periodontal disease or resorption have destroyed too much bone to support an implant, there’s no need to fear. You’re not barred from getting dental implants. Instead, you must first replace the missing hard tissue with bone grafting. Grafts surgically insert new material where needed to get your jaw mass back up to snuff. These transplants often come from the patients themselves, taking a small portion from the back of the jaw. However, we can also use synthetic material or donated tissue from other people and animals. Since grafts need time to heal and integrate with the original bone tissue, they can push back your dental implant timeline. For most patients, the recovery period is about three to six months, depending on how many grafts are needed and your health. However, we won't rush ahead to start the first implant surgery to ensure your jaw is ready and raring to go for your new teeth to be a total success. Are you interested in making your smile whole again with dental implants? Long Beach Family Dentist is here for you! To schedule a consultation with our periodontist team, please call us today at (562) 999-3602.